The Cost-of-Living Grants Fund is provided and administered by Independent Age, a charity working to enable older people to stay independent and live well with dignity, choice, and control.
The charity launched this Grants Fund in response to the negative impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on the lives of millions of older people in the UK.
The current cost-of-living crisis is increasing existing pressures in a number of ways:
- The price of fuel, food and energy has risen dramatically recently.
- Colder weather and shorter days mean more electricity and gas are needed and this, just as the energy price cap is being increased again.
- Although the pension triple lock was paused in 2022, restoring it for next year, will not come soon enough to deal with the current crisis.
The funding is intended as rapid response grants to local organisations across the UK, to help make sure that people aged over 65 do not have to choose between buying food to eat and heating their home.
The funder is looking to support local organisations that can increase the amount of money in the pockets of older people, either through maximising people’s income or providing short-term help to people living in poverty who are facing a particular crisis.
How To Apply
There is a two phase application process:
- Phase 1 applications will be accepted from 1 September to 16 September 2022 with notification of decisions on 3 October 2022.
- Groups that are successfu in Phase 1 will be invited to apply in Phase 2.
Guidance notes, FAQs, and the application form can be found on the Independent Age website.